--Drive Safe!

--I will!

The words are said without a thought

No meaning given to the promise

--I will!

Hands at 10 and 2

Shift to drive

Turn right toward school

--I will!

Cellphone rings

Look down

One second

 

 

 

Sirens

Ambulance

--You’re going to be okay!

--Oh my God! That’s my child!

--I’m right here.

--Stay with us.

Darkness

 

 

 

Crying

Screaming

Silence

 

 

 

--Friends, we are here today to celebrate a life cut short

Closed casket

Flowers at the front

School picture takes your place

--My condolences

--I’m so sorry

Family standing at the door

Friends gather

More crying

More screaming

 

 

 

Family drives home

Flowers fill your seat

Little sister quiet

Older brother comforting

Mom who is sobbing

Dad drives slowly

Past that intersection

 

 

 

Flowers wilt

Graduation comes

Your picture on stage

--In memory of…

--Today we remember…

Your seat empty

 

 

 

Friends at college

Sister starts high school

Brother gets married

Dad gets drunk

Mom gets fired

Best friend still cries every day

 

 

 

--Drive safe!

--I will!